Giambi hopes to rejoin Yankees next week

Tampa, Fla. — Yankees slugger Jason Giambi is set to start a minor-league rehab assignment tomorrow night with Class A Tampa and hopes to rejoin the team next week.

The designated hitter, who has been sidelined since May 30 after tearing tissue in his left foot, said he will play two games with the Yankees' Florida State League team before he is re-evaluated Sunday.

"I'm to that point where I really can't do anymore working out, taking BP and running," Giambi said. "Now it's going to be more game activity. I think that will be a gauge to see how I do."

Giambi took on-field batting practice for the second time yesterday and went through an extensive base running session.

"I'm fired up," Giambi said. "It's gone faster than I expected."

Giambi is hitting .262 with seven homers and 23 RBI. His foot began bothering him soon after he played the field for the first time on April 28, and he hit .117 in May with three homers and six RBI.